PARIS — Global satellite fleet operator Inmarsat said Sept. 12 that it has chosen Mitsubishi Heavy Industries to launch Inmarsat-6 F1 in 2020 aboard an H-2A rocket.
“Inmarsat is delighted to select MHI and its H-IIA launch vehicle for the first of our sixth generation satellites,” Rupert Pearce, CEO of Inmarsat, said in a statement. “Inmarsat is continually seeking to extend and diversify its ecosystem of partners, particularly in the strategically important area of launch providers. We believe that MHI and its H-IIA launch vehicle offers a world-class service.
The satellite, which is under construction at Airbus Defence and Space, will support both L-band and Ka-band services.
Inmarsat, which did not disclose the value of the launch contract, said it has yet to select a launch provider for its second Inmarsat-6 satellite.
Pearce, however, made clear Inmarsat is paying attention to development of MHI’s next-generation rocket, the H-3.
“With the development of the new H3 launch vehicle, it is clear that MHI is committed to continuing innovation,” Pearce said. “These are attributes that we seek in our partners and we look forward to a long and fruitful relationship with MHI as one of our roster of launch partners.”